Mahama discusses lecturers’ welfare, university funding with UTAG
President John Dramani Mahama has engaged the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) on a range of concerns, including lecturers’ welfare, recruitment challenges, research funding and tensions with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
President John Dramani Mahama met with the leadership of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) on November 12, 2026, to discuss various issues affecting university teachers and the tertiary education sector. During the meeting at the Presidency, UTAG President Professor Vera Ogeh Fiador presented concerns regarding the proposed National Research Fund, the Book and Research Allowance, retirement age, recruitment, and emoluments for lecturers. UTAG also demanded the removal of the GTEC Director-General.
The Education Minister, addressing the lecturers, assured them of the government's commitment to academic freedom and pledged to provide the necessary infrastructure and support to enhance educational standards. He also provided updates on steps being taken to resolve the UTAG's disagreement with the GTEC Director-General, mentioning an arbitration panel chaired by Dr Clement Apaak.
President Mahama revealed the government's plan to partner with private investors to construct student hostels on public university campuses, addressing concerns about accommodation challenges. As for recruitment delays, he explained that the Ministry of Finance's control over financial clearance for new appointments was due to budgetary constraints, but expressed confidence in future economic growth to increase resources and improve conditions of service.
Regarding the UTAG-GTEC dispute, Mahama called for an amicable resolution to ease tensions within the tertiary education sector.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
